Camping in Ullapool is a great way to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the North Coast 500. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history, this fishing town is a perfect destination for a relaxing and immersive outdoor adventure.
In this guide, we will share our list of the best campsites to consider if you plan to travel to Ullapool. Learn about the best spots in the area and what to expect during your stay so that you can better assess which of the best wild camping tents will match your chosen destination. We will also answer a few questions you might have as a wild camper in Ullapool.
The 7 best campsites near Ullapool
Let’s take a look at seven of the best wild camping spots around Ullapool. We will cover a wide range—from family-friendly parks to remote bothies—all with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lochs. Each campsite also offers unique charms and various conveniences that wild campers like you would appreciate. We hope you will discover the best spot to pitch your tent by going through our recommendations.
1) Broomfield Holiday Park
Located near the shores of Loch Broom, this popular spot is ideal for wild campers who still want access to some amenities, such as a swimming pool and play area for the kids. It is within walking distance of local shops and restaurants of Ullapool, where you can sample authentic Scottish meals.
During our stay at the Broomfield Holiday Park, we loved how we could wake up to the stunning views of the majestic mountains and spend the day there in relative peace. There are also some hiking trails to explore. If you’re into fishing, the waters in the area are teeming with salmon, trout, and mackerel.
2) Ardmair Point Caravan & Camping Park
If you’re seeking a wild camping spot with a view of the Summer Isles, consider setting your campsite in Ardmair Point. It is on a peninsula, so anywhere you look will likely feel photo-worthy. Even at night, you can spend hours relaxing in your tent while stargazing.
The park provides a variety of pitches, making it perfect for backpackers and car campers alike. It is also an excellent base for your outdoor activities. It is near the hiking trails of Suilven and Stac Pollaign Munros. You can also take a boat trip, explore the coastlines, or visit the adjacent islands. For the more adventurous campers, we suggest checking out the kayak tours offered by the locals.
3) Badrallach Campsite, Bothy & Holiday Cottage
Despite its remote location, Badrallach is a well-loved camping spot near Ullapool. It is constructed on a magnificent valley surrounded by mountains and lush forests. As such, the area has no amenities or camping facilities, so make sure to plan well for the trip and pack for wild camping.
Badrallach is also home to indigenous animals like red deer and otters. Bird lovers would also enjoy staying there because golden eagles, ospreys, and red-throated divers frequently fly over the valley. If you’re an avid hiker, challenge yourself by taking on the hiking trails on the An Teallach Munros, too.
4) Port A Bhaigh Campsite
On the headland of Coigach Peninsula, you will find this secluded family-run campsite. Travellers head there to escape the crowds and experience the peace and quiet of the Scottish Highlands.
Ullapool is only a short drive from this campsite, so it’s an excellent starting point if you want to discover the charms of this coastal town. The Inverpolly National Park and the Summer Isles are accessible from Port A Bhaign. Campers who wish to engage in outdoor fun may also go hiking on the Rhenigidale Trail or swimming on the nearby beaches during the day and, by nightfall, return to the campsite to search for constellations.
5) Gruinard Bay Caravan Park
There’s nothing like waking up to a peaceful morning in this wild camping spot near Ullapool. Situated on the shores of Guinard Bay, this caravan park opens to a picturesque view of the sea on the west and the munros on the other side.
The park’s proximity to the town allowed us to visit Ullapool and easily access its shops and restaurants. On days when we preferred to stay close to our campsite, we would take on the Guinard Bay Trail and admire the lovely beaches and forests in the area. Along the way, we sometimes spotted seals, whales, and a variety of birds, such as puffins and fulmars.
6) Clachtoll Beach Campsite
This award-winning, family-run campsite is popular among wild campers as a relaxing base while exploring Ullapool, the NC500 and the golden shores of Clachtoll Beach itself. The area is also home to the Old Man of Stoer, a sea stack made of sandstone that stands 60 metres high.
The campsite welcomes all campers, whether you’re on a backpacking trip or aboard a motorhome. Dogs and other pets are also allowed within the campgrounds, so you can relax and have fun with your favourite travel companions. Some activities you can do together include hiking, swimming, and wildlife watching.
7) Gairloch Holiday Park
Wild camping in Gairloch truly feels like a holiday because of its excellent location on the North Coast 500, various on-site facilities, and the lovely views of Loch Gairloch. Though it attracts numerous guests every year, you can still find peace and quiet there, too.
Without leaving the campsite, you can entertain yourself in the swimming pool, archery centre, or mini golf area. Driving to Ullapool takes only a few minutes, and so does the Summer Isles. We also suggest going on adventures on the nearby Torridon Hills and Fisherfield Forest, where you spot different fauna and flora native to the area.
Start planning your wild camping trip to Ullapool today!
No matter your camping style or budget, there is undoubtedly something for you to enjoy at Ullapool in Scotland. Now that you have a better idea of which campsite you will stay, the next step is to prepare for your wild camping adventures in the Scottish Highlands.
Since the weather can be pretty unpredictable up there, we recommend packing for all types of weather. Consider investing in a dependable 4-season tent to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment during your trip. If you prefer the remote wild camping destinations described earlier, you should also bring the other essentials to keep yourself warm and well-fed.
Don’t forget to brush up on Scotland’s wild camping guidelines, too. Doing so will give you peace of mind and allow you to show respect and feel closer to nature. With these tips and our recommendations earlier, we hope you will have an incredible wild camping experience in Ullapool!
FAQs about Wild Camping in Ullapool
Since wild camping in Scotland is legal, you can pitch your tent almost anywhere. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives all campers the right to roam and camp on most unenclosed lands in the country. A few exceptions exist wherein you need to secure a camping permit first, but those areas are not within Ullapool. Nevertheless, you should still follow the rule of leaving no trace while camping around Ullapool.
Yes, wild camping at Achmelvich beach is permitted. However, it would be best if you kept in mind these tips. Check the weather forecast before the trip to plan and prepare well for the journey. Select a camping spot away from the main road, shores, and other campers. Respect the environment and pack all your gear and waste before moving to a different location.